Common Name:

General Information

Aloe kedongensis is a succulent, evergreen shrub with erect or sprawling stems that branch at or near the base; it can grow up to 3.6 metres tall. Each stem is topped by a rosette of leaves[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine, source of dyes and as an aid to fermentation. It is sometimes grown as a live fence and is also grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

The sap of Aloe species contains anthraquinones. These compounds have several beneficial medicinal actions, particularly as a laxative, and many species of Aloe are thus employed in traditional medicine. Whilst safe in small doses and for short periods of time, anthraquinones do have potential problems if used in excess. These include congestion and irritation of the pelvic organs[]. Long term use of anthraquinone laxatives may also play a role in development of colorectal cancer as they have genotoxic potential, and tumorigenic potential[].

Botanical References

Range

East tropical Africa - southwest Kenya.

Habitat

Fairly open savannah woodland, usually on rocky ground; top of Kedong Escarpment; at elevations from 1,825 - 2,300 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun and in light shade[].
Aloe species follow the Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). CAM plants can fix carbon dioxide at night and photosynthesize with closed stomata during the day, thus minimizing water loss. This, plus their succulent leaves and stems, and the presence of a thick cuticle, makes them well adapted to dry conditions[].

Edible Uses

The roots are added to honey beer to promote fermentation[].

Medicinal

The leaves are used to treat colds, fever, diarrhoea and malaria[]. Veterinary use comprises treatment of poultry diseases and East Coast fever in cattle[].

The distinctive constituents in Aloe leaves are phenolic compounds, including chromone, anthraquinone or anthrone derivatives. Some of the compounds are found in many species, whereas others occur in only a few[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Aloe kedongensis is planted to form live fences[].

Other Uses

The plant (part not specified) is used as a dye[].

Propagation

Seed - we have no specific information on this species - in general Aloes are sown in a sandy, well-drained potting soil in a warm, shady position in standard seed trays. Germination takes about three weeks. Cover the seed with a thin layer of sand (1 - 2mm), keep moist. The seedlings can be planted out in individual bags or containers as soon as they are large enough to handle[].
Cuttings root easily[].

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